CLINTON — Leo Forcier said he loves taking something old and making it new again. He is a self-confessed "wood guy" who has a vision for the former Our Lady of the Rosary Church.

That vision is Eagle Landing at the Reservoir.

When he first walked into the brick building on the hill, Forcier didn't see an abandoned building. He saw a potential home that preserves the essence of the old church on the outside, while offering the convenience of modern life.

Now that he has the special permit he needed from the Clinton Planning Board, he is ready to get going to convert the former Rosary into homes for people to enjoy.

But, first, he is inviting former parishioners and residents into the church on Saturday, June 28 for a yard sale, auction and silent auction of memorabilia and souvenirs, all to benefit the Clinton schools. More details and exact times will be available in the June 27 Item.

Among the items that will be available are the pews, which people can take home at full length, or Forcier can connect them with someone who can help rework them for home use.

Renovating plans

Now, with extra bank financing, Forcier is planning to do the church project first, as the cornerstone of the complex, plus one duplex on Oak Street, where four are planned on one side of the property, three on the other. As each duplex is sold, another will be built, he said. The second phase of the project will include renovating the former rectory into three duplexes, then building a matching building next to it.

The project also calls for garages for the apartments.

Forcier is hoping the project will attract former parishioners looking to downsize into the church building, and young families into the duplexes, to create a unique community within the town.

The sale of the former Our Lady of the Rosary Church property was finalized on April 16 with the church, rectory and garage going to Eagle Landing at the Reservoir, LLC, of Chelmsford. The selling price was $715,000, according to the Diocese of Worcester.

The church was closed on July 1, 2010, as part of a church reconfiguration that created the new St. John Guardian of Our Lady Parish.

"During our marketing, I showed the property to a large number of parties who considered the site for various new uses," said Jim Gibbons, of Realty Vision, during the Planning Board hearing. Gibbons represented the Diocese in the transaction. Gibbons noted that the housing option intended by the new owner/developer seemed to be the most viable proposal for the re-use of the buildings and land.

"Residential usage of the parcel is in keeping with the character of the neighborhood and when completed, the condominiums will be an attractive choice here in our community for Clinton homebuyers," Gibbons said. He added that he and his colleagues at Realty Vision share the sentiment expressed by others in town, especially past members of the former Our Lady of the Rosary Parish that it is "wonderful that the beautiful school/church building will not be torn down and that it will be maintained and used in a positive new life."

As Forcier walks through the church, his eyes light up as he looks at the wood and stained glass and sees the possibility of keeping the warmth of the church intact, while providing modern kitchens and baths, updated air conditioning and heating systems and an elevator to make sure the 19 apartments are accessible to older couples who might need some provisions to stay in apartments.

The land around the old church will be regraded so even the lower levels will have larger windows, letting the light in.

The one- and two-bedroom units would also be appropriate for young professionals.

The duplexes being planned for the site — with two and three bedrooms — would be more appropriate for young families with a couple of children. Each duplex has a small yard, while other green areas will be preserved on the site.

Maintaining history

Not all the plans are finalized. For example, Forcier might bring a panel of stained glass into each apartment in the former church, but some of the panes might be too religious.

Walking up the wood steps, curved and worn from generations of children marching up and down, he said he hopes he can preserve them. Walking through the hallways, he said he hopes to preserve some of the dark wood, warm with hands rubbing against them. He even hopes to display shadow boxes with memorabilia and old photos in the hallways, so future residents will remember that generations of parishioners called Rosary their home. His wife creates what she calls "glimpses," pictures that show the history of a property. She did one for Worcester City Hall and is already working on the history of the Rosary to bring the history to life.

Forcier said they are working with the town's historians, including Ed Cecchini, a longtime parishioner who is trying to put some of the items into context for them.

A civil engineer by training — working with his son, who is an architect — Forcier said he can walk into a building and see the potential, and that is what gets him excited.

"I like taking a box and making the best use of the space," he said. He likes to keep the best of what makes the old buildings charming, like the high ceilings in the Rosary, and adapting them for modern use. "I like old things. I like restoring them. This thrills me."

Anyone interested in helping with the yard sale and auctions on June 28 can email Forcier at Prime-Properties@comcast.net, or calling his cell phone, (978) 479-7444.

CDL A DELIVERY DRIVERS Home Every Night! Needed for our Worcester Depot! Drive local - No more spending valuable nights away from your family! As a Direct Store Delivery Representative YOU have the opportunity to make a difference with our customers! Provide excellent customer service; interact in a positive manner with our customers; deliver our products to local stores. Be home every night! Work for a Company that has been around for over 80 years! Minimum of 3 months driving experience with CDL A/B; GED or HS diploma required; Must be able to drive a standard transmission. EEO/Veteran/Disability Growing Strong Since1933!